“Dianna joined our first-grade class virtually for an author visit. Immediately my kids were engaged and enthralled with her storytelling and vibrant personality. They left with a deeper love for books, and some were encouraged to start writing stories themselves. This year, I have some of those students as third graders, and they still remember Dianna's visit as a highlight of their first-grade year. They have been asking when they will meet her again! Dianna inspired my students to think about stories they read and the stories they can create in a new way, lighting a fire in them for literature and learning." 

Hillery Rubens, 3rd-grade teacher, Riverside, CA

 

"Ms. Aston delightfully engaged our young learners with fascinating facts about nature. She shared snippets of many of her whimsical books interwoven with captivating photographs. Students made text-to-world connections throughout the presentation!"

Elizabeth Brown, LMS, Prosper ISD

 

“Adding a special guest talk with Dianna Aston was an engaging class session in my course. She shared her creative process with my teacher education students. Dianna’s insight into writing for children inspired my students to include a variety of texts into their future classrooms.“

Dana Evans, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Troy University

Department of Teacher Education

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“Our Google Meets meeting was wonderful! Having you not only do an interactive read aloud of "Dream Something Big," but also the Q&A and encouraging my students to be inventors of their own wonderful ideas."

Jenna DuBose

Third grade teacher, Lockhart ISD, Lockhart, TX

 

“My kindergarten students were thrilled to have a special Zoom meeting with Dianna Hutts Aston. Dianna was engaging to my young students. After we listened to her read, “Loony Little,” she helped my kids make connections and apply critical thinking about how they can make a difference in slowing climate change. Her work is perfect for connecting students to nature, inspiring them to wonder, and provoking them to think critically."

Lydia Panvini

Kindergarten Teacher, Judson ISD, Converse, TX

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“That was the most amazing experience EVER!!!!! I loved all of the messages you cascaded through virtual space and time: Never give up, dream something REALLY big, learn STEM subjects because they are the future of space exploration…and so many more golden nuggets of wisdom. She is a magnificent person, among the best of the best walking this planet.”

Hillery Rubens

First grade teacher

Riverside, CA

 

“They were as fascinated and engaged with her in person as they are when reading her books. She inspired their curiosity. One of my second-grade students commented that her words make things come alive. An excellent experience!”

Kimberly Ward

Pike Road Historical School

Montgomery County, AL

"Our public library booked Dianna to present her work at several of our local school districts. Her presentations were informative, interactive, and fun for all grade levels (K-4). Dianna has a wonderful way of reading the audience and adjusting her presentation to match the energy in the room. She was professional and flexible, regardless of student behavior or technology mishaps. She treated our young patrons with kindness, answering all of their questions and engaging with them on a personal level."

 Katie Allen and Tiffany Hough
Garland County media specialists and Hot Spring festival organizers.

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Students

 

“Now I want to study nature when I grow up.” Love, Greeshma

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“I like your words.” – Ruby, Austin, TX

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“I loved your presentashon it was like a present to me.” – Love, Logan

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“I love your heart what it looks like. Mine looks the same as yours. I love to look for animals, rocks, underwater animals. My heart is like an earth. I love prutecking the earth….”— Unsigned, Student, Greentown, OH

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“I realy liked that you broat in those cool bones and the other things they were realy cool. You inspired me to do amazing things like you did. Your amazing!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!” – Jenna H.

 

“You are so adventurist and I LOVE that!” – Hannah

 

“Thank you so much for coming. I realy liked your visit. I liked learning all those facts. Also thank you so so so much for doing it all for free, even I wouldn’t do it for free and I go to this school! You realy saved us a lot of $ $ $ $ $ $ $ thanks again.” – Joe, student, Greentown, OH

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